STAMFORD -- For the 15th time, the lobby of the Government Center served as the site for the Mayor's Kwanzaa Celebration on Wednesday afternoon.

The event marked the fifth of seven days of Kwanzaa, which traces its American origins to 1966 as the African-American population was struggling to find its identity, according to the African-American Affairs Commission link on the state Web site (www.cga.ct.gov/aaac).

A percussion and dance ensemble, Infinite Roots, led by Henry Jones, performed inspirational music and dance selections throughout the ceremony.

"I'm particularly appreciative of being invited to this celebration," said Mayor Michael Pavia, who was presented with a ceremonial scarf before he spoke. "This is the same lobby where we recently celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah, in a city that celebrates diversity. Kwanzaa celebrates family and the abundance of living things. Freedom, justice and the absolute quality of life are the fruits of Kwanzaa. As we reflect deeply on ourselves, enjoy that personal reflection and enjoy the celebration of Kwanzaa."

The first of the principles of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity), the second is Kujichagulia (self-determination), the third is Ujima (collective work and responsibility), the fourth is Ujamaa (cooperative economics), the fifth is Nia (purpose), the sixth is Kuumba (creativity) and the seventh principle is Imani (faith).

E. Phillip McKain led ritual of poring the libation to honor those that have gone before.

"We pour libation for our ancestors, those shoulders we stand on," McKain said. "Our fathers and mothers came here and struggled, loved and lived. For those who gave so much, we give in return, to build on their legacy. When we leave this planet, we want to leave it better than we found it."

While the origins of Kwanzaa -- the second "a" at the end was added to separate African-American celebrations from those followed in Africa -- are rooted in traditional African values of family, community, self-improvement and commerce, these values are no unique to just Africans.

"This is for Martin Luther King, Malcolm (X), Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass," McKain said. "They all struggled so we can live in freedom, love and peace. We must continue to give meaning and define our lives so that they always stand for liberty, justice and peace."

Brother Tyrone Dunmore discussed the purpose of people coming together in this celebration.

"At one point we all were first fruit," Dunmore said. "We're here to increase, develop and grow life, to cultivate our way of life, to build. We need to use all our resources and encourage all cultures. The bottom line is we're serving humanity, to help each other grow. Divine force brought us into being, and we must get beyond labels and focus on the 'energy force' in all of us.

Dunmore used the example of a butterfly needing many elements to reach its potential.

"Our divine purpose is we cannot let each other die," Dunmore said. "What dies first is what's inside of us. We must raise the level of respect, hope and generosity."

The decorative banner draped over the podium summed up the event: "For out ancestors, and their indomitable spirit ... For our struggle, and for those who struggled on our behalf."

"This is the third celebration I've had in this room this month," Pavia said. "This was by far the most exciting. My first Kwanzaa celebration is something I won't forget, and I'll be here for years to come."